Buffalo Bills NFL Draft 2021: 5 players to target in the first round

5. Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

Even with Josh Allen having a breakthrough, MVP-caliber season in 2020, he still did not get stellar offensive line play across the board. While his line played well enough for the team to make the AFC Championship, they could stand to improve at, really, any spot on the offensive front.

Bringing in a player like Alex Leatherwood has the potential to do just that. He really could play any spot on the offensive line and should be able to play at a fairly high level right away. At Alabama, Leatherwood played both right guard and left tackle, displaying that versatility to contribute across the line.

For the Tide, Leatherwood showed that he can hold his own against the best in the country in the SEC. As a junior in 2019, people seemed to value Jedrick Wills Jr. a bit higher than Leatherwood as lefty Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside protector heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. But last season, Leatherwood displayed his ability to be the blindside protector for Mac Jones, helping him accomplish his career season in 2020.

Leatherwood has the traits to excel at either tackle or guard in the NFL. With his size, strength, and a bit of athleticism, he can really be effective as a pass protector and run blocker.

It may not be the flashiest pick, and he may have to bump back inside to guard if he is going to play immediately with Dion Dawkins at left tackle, but Leatherwood has the potential to be a great offensive lineman in the league and would be an asset at this point in the 2021 NFL Draft.